Methods and systems for performing, monitoring and analyzing multiple machine fluid processes

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a method is provided for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids. The method includes the steps of identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process; (a) adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to the fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for the reservoir, (b) subsequently performing the fluid evacuation process for the reservoir, (c) subsequently adjusting the configuration of the valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for the reservoir, (d) subsequently performing the fluid refill process for the reservoir; and, subsequently identifying an additional reservoir and performing at least one of the steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) for the additional reservoir, wherein the first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of a fluid of the additional reservoir. Various system and computer-readable media embodiments are also provided. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR § 1.72( b ).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/772,604, filed on Jan. 30, 2001, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.6,708,710, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/435,375, filed on Nov. 5, 1999, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.6,216,732, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.08/961,339, filed on Oct. 30, 1997, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND

Machines such as large-capacity diesel engine systems used in connectionwith construction equipment, earth-moving equipment, transportationequipment (e.g., locomotives) and the like, are often implemented inadverse operating conditions. Typical operating conditions for suchequipment can require extensive maintenance, repair and overhaul work tosustain the equipment and its components, including the engine systems.As a consequence of adverse equipment operating conditions, certainequipment components may be exhausted long before the expected end oftheir useful lives. This component exhaustion can occur despite effortsto ensure proper component installation and maintenance, includingperiodic maintenance of equipment oil supply and lubrication systems,for example. Extensive and premature wear of large-capacity dieselengines, for example, can be caused by a combination of factors,including inadequate lubrication of components prior to engine ignition,failure to adhere to prescribed maintenance schedules, failure tocollect and analyze data associated with equipment operation, systemmalfunction, general misuse of the equipment, and other factors.

Methods and systems for data collection and analysis are thereforeneeded that can extend the useful life of equipment components.Component movement and interaction during various periods of equipmentoperation can impact the continued effective operation and useful lifeexpectancy of the engine system. In connection with operation and/ormaintenance of the engine system during such periods, important datasuch as, for example, temperature, oil pressure, time to evacuate an oilsump, and historical data regarding previous engine ignition cycles canbe collected and analyzed. Conventional equipment methods and systems,however, typically do not collect and analyze data during various stagesof machine operation to assist in operation or maintenance of themachine and its components.

In addition, in the context of performing machine maintenance, there isoften a need for performing multiple evacuations and/or refills of fluidreceptacles. Such fluid receptacles may include, for example and withoutlimitation, oil sumps, transmission fluid reservoirs, fuel tanks,waste-receiving receptacles, hydraulic fluid reservoirs, and other likereceptacles associated with machine operation and maintenance. In manysituations, such fluid evacuation and fluid refill processes may not betimed and/or sequenced to maximize performance of maintenance on amachine. Furthermore, data crucial to scheduling maintenance andmonitoring performance issues with machines are often neither collectednor analyzed during fluid evacuations, fluid refills, or other fluidprocessing activities.

Many industrial machines and equipment have requirements for fluidexchanges. Examples of these fluid exchanges include changing the oil inmotors and engines or hydraulic fluid in presses and lifting equipment.Countless other examples exist, but what is generally common to thesemachines or equipment is the fact that the outlet port is inconvenientlylocated. Typically this is the result of having to remove the fluid froma sump or drainage point that is located at the bottom of the machine toutilize gravity flow.

The tasks of removing and refilling machine fluids may be difficult ortime consuming because of the usually inconvenient location of thefittings required to perform these fluid operations. Some machines,however, may include fluid circulation pumps that are installed andapplied in locations that are external to the machine. Also, someequipment may be provided with one or more internally or externallylocated pre-lubrication devices that permit oil or fluid to commencecirculation prior to the activation of the primary equipment or engineon which the pre-lubrication device is installed. Illustrative of suchdevices is the pre-lubrication device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,431,which is incorporated herein by reference, and which is typically fittedto a diesel engine used in power equipment, trucks and/or heavyequipment.

Furthermore, in certain off-road heavy equipment, reservoirs containingfluids may contain scores of gallons of fluid, which can consumeunacceptably long periods of time to drain and refill. For example, insome equipment, an engine oil sump or reservoir may contain up to 150gallons of oil; a transmission sump may contain up to 100 gallons oftransmission fluid; and a separate reservoir of hydraulic fluid to powerhydraulic functions may contain up to 500 gallons of hydraulic fluid.Downtime costs for relatively large machines and other pieces ofequipment can be substantial. Accordingly, if downtime for maintenancein such machines can be minimized, then substantial economic benefitsoften result. In addition, there are numerous comparatively smallerdevices and motors for which access to fluid discharge ports isdifficult to reach or in which the fluid must be assisted for removal.Examples include marine engines and the like. In some small-sized piecesof equipment, the engine must be inverted to remove oil, for example, orother fluids. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,526,782; 5,257,678; and,4,977,978.

Thus, what are needed are improved methods and systems for performingfluid maintenance functions, such as fluid evacuation and refillprocesses, for example, in connection with machine operation andmaintenance. What are also needed are enhanced methods and systems forsequencing and timing fluid operations, while collecting, storing and/oranalyzing data pertinent to the performance and results of such fluidtransfer operations.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the present methods and systems, a method isprovided for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluidsystem including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids.The method includes the steps of identifying a first reservoir for usein performing a fluid process; (a) adjusting a configuration of a valvesystem operatively coupled to the fluid system to permit a fluidevacuation process to be performed for the reservoir, (b) subsequentlyperforming the fluid evacuation process for the reservoir, (c)subsequently adjusting the configuration of the valve system to permit afluid refill process to be performed for the reservoir, (d) subsequentlyperforming the fluid refill process for the reservoir; and, subsequentlyidentifying an additional reservoir and performing at least one of thesteps a, b, c and d for the additional reservoir, wherein the firstreservoir includes a fluid which is of a type different from a type of afluid of the additional reservoir. Various computer-readable mediaembodiments of the present methods are also provided.

In another embodiment of the present methods and systems, a system isprovided for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluidsystem including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids.The system includes a valve system operatively coupled to the fluidsystem, the valve system configured to permit selective access to afirst reservoir and at least one additional reservoir operativelyassociated with the fluid system for performing at least one fluidevacuation process for a selected one of the first reservoir and theadditional reservoir, wherein a fluid included within the firstreservoir is of a type different from a type of a fluid included withinthe additional reservoir; and, means for adjusting the configuration ofthe valve system to permit selective fluid communication between theselected one of the first reservoir and the additional reservoir and atleast one of a waste-receiving receptacle and a fluid replacementsource, wherein the fluid communication enables at least one fluidrefill process for the selected one of the first reservoir and theadditional reservoir.

In another embodiment of the present methods and systems, a system isprovided for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluidsystem including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids.The system includes valve means operatively coupled to the fluid system,the valve means configured to permit selective access to a firstreservoir means and at least one additional reservoir means operativelyassociated with the fluid system for performing at least one fluidevacuation process for the selected one of the first reservoir means andthe additional reservoir means, wherein a fluid included within thefirst reservoir means is of a type different from a type of a fluidincluded within the additional reservoir means; and, means for adjustingthe configuration of the valve means to permit selective fluidcommunication between the selected one of the first reservoir means andthe additional reservoir means and at least one of a waste-receivingmeans and a fluid replacement means, wherein the fluid communicationenables at least one fluid refill process for the selected one of thefirst reservoir means and the additional reservoir means.

In another embodiment of the present methods and systems, in a fluidsystem of a machine, a junction block assembly apparatus is provided.The apparatus includes a body having at least one port formed therein;the junction block assembly is structured for receiving at least onefluid flow in association with performing at least one of a fluidevacuation process and a fluid refill process in operative associationwith the fluid system of the machine.

In another embodiment of the present methods and systems, a fluid systemof a machine is provided. The fluid system includes at least onejunction block assembly including a body having at least one port formedtherein, the junction block assembly further being structured forreceiving at least one fluid flow in association with performing atleast one of a fluid evacuation process and a fluid refill process inoperative association with the fluid system of the machine; at least onepump in fluid communication with at least one of the junction blockassemblies; and, a screen positioned within the fluid system in fluidcommunication with a suction side of the pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a single-reservoirconduit system;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 showing acoupling;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a pump integrally included in a flow controlmeans;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are two views of one embodiment of a coupling for use withvarious embodiments of the present systems and methods;

FIG. 7 is diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a conduit, and acoupling for oil purges;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a multiple-reservoirconduit system;

FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic diagram for one embodiment of thesystem of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of one embodiment of a service panel for afluid evacuation system;

FIG. 11 is an electrical schematic for one embodiment of the system ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a hydraulic schematic diagram of one embodiment of a fluidevacuation system;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a dual-pumpmultiple-reservoir conduit system;

FIG. 14 is an electrical schematic diagram for one embodiment of thesystem of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of one embodiment of a control panel for afluid evacuation system;

FIG. 16 is an electrical diagram for one embodiment of the system ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a hydraulic schematic diagram of one embodiment of a multiplepump fluid evacuation system;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a replacementfluid conduit system;

FIG. 19 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 20 includes a schematic diagram displaying one embodiment of acontrol module and various embodiments of data devices configured foruse in accordance with various embodiments of the present systems andmethods;

FIG. 21 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of aninternal data module configured for use in accordance with variousembodiments of the present systems and methods;

FIG. 22 includes a process flow diagram illustrating one methodembodiment provided in accordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 23 includes a schematic diagram of one system embodiment providedin accordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 24 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 25A includes an exploded, isometric view of one illustrativeembodiment of a junction block assembly structured for use in accordancewith various embodiments of the present systems and methods;

FIG. 25B includes an isometric view of the junction block assembly ofFIG. 23A;

FIG. 25C includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system including a junction block assembly, a screen and a pumpinstalled within the fluid system;

FIG. 26 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 27 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 28 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 29 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 30 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods; and,

FIG. 31 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods.

DESCRIPTION

The term “machine” as applied herein may include any equipment suitablefor use in accordance with the present methods and systems. Examples of“machines” as applied herein can include, without limitation, alubrication system, engines, diesel engines, large-scale diesel engines,motors, rotating equipment, generators, emergency machines, emergencygenerators, compressors, equipment that includes a machine (e.g., suchas mining equipment, construction equipment, marine equipment, and thelike), and other like machines. In various portions of the disclosureherein, the example of an “engine” is employed for convenience ofdisclosure in describing various embodiments and aspects of the presentsystems and methods. It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art,however, that such use of “engine” as one example of a type of machineis intended merely for said convenience of disclosure and is notintended to limit the scope of application of the present systems andmethods.

The term “evacuation” as applied to the systems and methods disclosedherein may include evacuation of any portion of a fluid of a machine, areceptacle, a reservoir, or other like fluid-retaining system orapparatus. Similarly, the term “refill” as applied to the systems andmethods disclosed herein may include refill of any portion of the fluidcapacity of a machine, receptacle, reservoir, or other likefluid-retaining system or apparatus.

The term “valve system” as applied to the systems and methods disclosedherein may include any combination of valves, pipes, disconnects,adapters and other like structural components configured for performingone or more fluid refill and/or fluid evacuation processes. Examples ofvalves included within a valve system may include, without limitation,single-position valves, multi-position valves (e.g., such as junctionblock assemblies or five-way control valves), and other types of valveswith or without electronic control for actuating the various possibleopen/closed positions of such valves. The “multi-position valve”expression, as applied herein, can include a unitary valve mechanism(e.g., a single junction block assembly), or a reasonable combination ofa unitary valve mechanism and other valve components.

Where suitable and applicable to the various embodiments of the presentsystems and methods discussed herein, it can be appreciated that variouscomponents, structures, elements, and other configurations may beapplied or installed in a location considered external or internal tothe operation of a particular machine. In applicable portions hereinwhere the use of pumps and/or supplemental pumps is disclosed, forexample, such pumps may be positioned, installed, or operated asinternal components of a machine and/or as externally positionedcomponents that assist, or otherwise operate in conjunction with, thefunctions of the machine.

As used herein, the term “subsequent” or variations thereof (e.g.,“subsequently”) as used with respect to performance of process or methodsteps is not intended to exclude other potential process or method stepsfrom occurring or being performed between steps that are considered“subsequent” with respect to each other. For example, as applied herein,if step Y occurs “subsequent to” step X, then the intended meaning of“subsequent to” is that step Y occurs at some point in time after step Xoccurs, but other steps may occur in the time period that elapsesbetween the occurrence of step X and step Y. In like fashion, the term“prior” or variations thereof (e.g., “prior to”) as used with respect toperformance of process or method steps described herein is not intendedto exclude other potential process or method steps from occurring orbeing performed between steps that are considered “prior to” withrespect to each other.

As employed herein, the term “type” or “kind” used with regard tovarious fluids discussed herein is intended to distinguish differenttypes or kinds of fluids between/among each other. For example, oil isconsidered one “type” of fluid, transmission fluid is consideredanother, different “type” of fluid, and hydraulic fluid is consideredanother, different “type” of fluid. It should be noted, for example,that a used amount of a “type” of fluid is not considered different withrespect to a clean or fresh fluid of the same “type” (e.g., clean oilused in a fluid refill or replacement process for a machine is notconsidered a different “type” of fluid with respect to the used oildrained from the machine during a fluid evacuation process).

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a portable fluid transfer conduit 10 isshown having an inlet port 11 and outlet port 12. Flexibly extendingbetween inlet and outlet ports 11 and 12 is flexible tubing 13. Invarious embodiments of the present systems and methods, the tubing 13may be made from a natural or synthetic rubber material, braidedstainless steel or polymeric extruded material such as polyethylene orstyrene.

A coupling 14 is attached to the inlet 11. As shown, the coupling 14 isthe male mateable end of a quick disconnect coupling more clearly shownin FIGS. 5 and 6. Alternatively, coupling 14 can be any type of fittingsuch as a screw in or a bayonet type coupling. In one embodiment, afitting is adapted to the outlet of the fluid source. On devices such asa pre-lubrication pump similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,431,for example, a bypass or connector means can be inserted on the pressureside of the pump to divert the oil from the engine to the fluid transferconduit 10. An example is disclosed in the discussion of FIGS. 5 and 6presented hereinbelow.

Positioned adjacent outlet port 12 is flow control means 16. Flowcontrol means comprises, in one embodiment, an electric or mechanicalvalve for controlling the flow of fluid through the conduit activated byswitch 17. This embodiment is useful where the fluid source does notincorporate a pump means and/or the fluid is gravity transferred. On theother hand, in the case where means such as a pre-lubrication device isused, flow control means 16 is preferably a pass through conduit havingswitch 17 sealably mounted thereon. Switch 17 is electrically connectedby conductor 18 to electrical connector 19, which is adapted to connectwith the pump circuit to activate the pump and control the flow offluid. Where flow control means 16 comprises an electric valve,conductor 18 and connector 19 are typically connected to a source ofelectrical power such as a battery terminal, a magnetic switch, relaycontacts or other electromechanical means for activating the pumpingmeans.

To drain a fluid such as oil or hydraulic oil, for example, from amachine or other piece of equipment involves connecting coupling 14 tothe outlet of the pump and initiating the pump through activation offlow control switch 17 or by use of gravity. It can be appreciated thatin situations where a pre-lubrication pump is used, a valve is notusually required. The outlet port of fluid transfer conduit 10 ispositioned at a remote and convenient location to discharge the fluidinto a waste-receiving receptacle. Such waste-receiving receptacles aregenerally known in the art and may commonly comprise barrels or servicevehicles, for example, or other receptacles or reservoirs adapted toreceive and transport waste oil or other contaminated vehicle fluids.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, fluid transfer conduit 20comprises a conduit 23 having an inlet port 21 and an outlet port 22.Inlet port 21 includes a coupling 24, preferably a mateable coupling asshown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this operational example, flow control means26 comprises a small suction, diaphragm, piston or reciprocating pump 28and may include therein a battery pack. Flow control means 16 includesan activator switch 27 in the form of a “trigger switch” having a guard29 and grip means 31 to facilitate holding the discharge end of thefluid transfer conduit 20. It can be appreciated that in applicationswhere a relatively long transfer conduit is applied such as, forexample, a transfer conduit of 20 to 30 feet in length, the pump 28 canbe located adjacent to, or in close proximity to, the coupling means 14.

Many types of small portable pumps suitable for use as the pump 28 arecommercially available. A number of pumps are better suited for heavieror more viscous fluids but are not capable of operating with batterypower. In such cases, a power cable such as conductor 18 and connector19 can be used in addition to the various embodiments described herein.Typically, the electrical power required to operate the pump 28 can besupplied by a vehicle storage battery or an AC pump can be connected toan AC outlet as a power source. In general, smaller pump means aresuitable and applicable in the consumer market, and the comparativelylarger pump means are applicable to the industrial market.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, examples of coupling means 14,41 for usewith various embodiments of the present systems and methods are shown.Coupling means 14,41 are adaptable, for example, to fluid transferconduit embodiments shown with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. Couplingmeans 41 connects to the engine oil port (not shown), whereas couplingmeans 14 is attached to conduit 10. Such coupling means are well knownin the art and comprise a male quick connector fitting 30 and a femalemateable quick connector fitting 32. Also shown is an electricalreceptor 33 for receiving electrical connector 19. In variousembodiments, it is also possible to include a sensing means on thecoupling means 14,41 to indicate that the sump is dry and to signal forshut down of the pump. A cap 34 is shown for protecting receptor 33between periods of use. As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6,receptor 33 and fitting 32 are mounted on a bracket 36 that is connectedto a source of fluid 37, such as a pre-lubrication pump, for example(not shown). In this embodiment, the fitting 32 is connected on theoutput or high-pressure side of the fluid source system. In applicationto a pre-lubrication system, for example, the fitting 32 is interposedin the high-pressure pump discharge line between the pump and an engineor other machine.

Referring now to FIG. 6, one embodiment of a sampling port 39 is shownthat can be used to sample oil in a pre-lubrication system where thepre-lubrication pumps flows through portion 37. It can be appreciatedthat this embodiment has the advantage of being able to provide a livesample of oil, or other fluid used in this embodiment, without requiringthe engine or other machine to be in a fully operational state.

As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 7, an additional fitting40 is attached to an external air supply 42. In one aspect, the fitting40 is a female fitting adapted to couple to an air supply (not shown).By attaching an air source to the fitting 40 prior to or during theremoval of oil from the engine, oil resident in the channels can beremoved to the sump and the oil in the filter system can be at leastpartially removed to facilitate removal of the filter. In manyembodiments that employ such an air supply, it may be desirable to havethe source of air at a pressure from about 90 to 150 pounds per squareinch, for example.

It has been discovered that a vehicle or other equipment having, forexample, an engine reservoir 105, hydraulic fluid reservoir 107 and atransmission fluid reservoir 109, may be more efficiently serviced andrisks of environmental contamination may be reduced, if the variousservice locations for such reservoirs are in relatively close proximity.For example, and without limitation, if the service locations for suchreservoirs are within about 3 to 10 feet from each other, service canusually be accomplished by relatively few technicians and within anacceptable amount of time. Also, the risks from environmentalcontamination caused, for example, by spillage when several lines andfluid containers are disconnected and connected, can be reduced if suchclose proximity of service locations is provided.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment for a single-pump multiple reservoirconduit system 100, which may be used, for example, to evacuate theengine reservoir 105, the hydraulic reservoir 107 and the transmissionor other fluid reservoir 109 of a machine through a quick connect port112 that may be mounted on a bracket 173 or to an evacuation port 153 ina control panel 150 (see discussion hereinbelow). A pump 128, and eachof the reservoirs 105, 107 and 109 are connected to a control valve 116through a network of conduits 113. In one embodiment, the pump 128 maybe a dedicated evacuation pump, for example, or may be an enginepre-lubrication pump, for example. The network of conduits includes afirst conduit 400 connected to the hydraulic reservoir 107 at a firstend 402 by a first coupling 406, and to the control valve 116 at asecond end 404 by a second coupling 408. Similarly, a second conduit 410is connected at a first end 414 to the engine reservoir 105 by a firstcoupling 416, and to the control valve 116 at a second end 412 by asecond coupling 418. A third conduit 420 is connected at a first end 422to the transmission reservoir 109 by a first coupling 426, and to thecontrol valve 116 at a second end 424 by a second coupling 428. A fourthconduit 430 is connected to the pump 128 at a first end 432 by a firstcoupling 436 and to the outlet port 112 at a second end 434 by a secondcoupling 438. A fifth conduit 461 is connected to the pump 128 at afirst end 463 by a first coupling 467 and to the control valve 116 at asecond end 465 by a second coupling 469.

In one example embodiment, the control valve 116 is a three-position,four-port directional valve, which controls the connection of the pump128 with each of the conduits 410, 400 and 420 leading to the reservoirs105, 107 and 109, respectively. In one aspect, the control valve 116 hasone default position, which is the engine sump 105 position. The controlvalve 116 and the pump 128 may be operated from a remote bracket 173 byan electrical evacuator switch attached to a connector 172, and a toggleselector switch 174, respectively.

As will be appreciated, in the operation of the system of FIG. 8, thecontrol valve 116 determines which of the reservoirs 105, 107 or 109will be in fluid communication with the pump 128 through the conduitnetwork 113. Specifically, the selector switch 174 determines theposition of the control valve 116. The switch connected at the connector172 serves as the on-off switch for the pump 128, and may be mounted onthe bracket 173 or may be mounted on a tethered switch connected toconnector 172. In operation, the selector switch 174 controls theposition of the control valve 116 to determine which reservoir 105, 107or 109 is evacuated. When the switch connected to connector 172 isenergized, the pump 128 is energized, thereby providing negativepressure on line 461 and, in turn, to the control valve 116. The fluidin the reservoir 105, 107 or 109 fluidly coupled to the control valve116 is drawn into line 461, through pump 128, through line 430 and tocoupling 112 for discharge into a suitable receptacle and/or into afluid line for further processing.

FIG. 9 shows one illustrative embodiment of the electrical circuitry forthe embodiment of the single-pump, multiple reservoir system of FIG. 8.A relay switch 158 is connected to the motor 162 of the pump 128 tostart and stop the pump motor 162 when the start switch 172 is activatedto provide power from a direct current source, for example, or othersuitable power source. In one aspect, the relay switch 158 stops themotor when a low flow condition is detected in any of the conduits 400,410, and 420 during evacuation by the sensor 180. The control valve 116is electrically operated through two solenoids 164 and 166 connected toa selector switch 174. The selector switch 174 is also connected to thestart switch 172. In one embodiment, the start switch 172 includes asingle-pole, normally open switch, and the selector switch 174 includesa single-pole double-throw switch.

Although three reservoirs are shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8, the number of reservoirs is not limited to three. Forembodiments with N reservoirs, for example, there are N reservoirconduits connecting each reservoir with the control valve, such as theconduits 400, 410 and 420 of FIG. 8. A pump conduit, such as conduit461, for example, connects the control valve 116 to the pump 128, and anoutlet conduit, such as conduit 430, for example, connects the pump 128to the outlet port 112. It can be appreciated that, for N reservoirs,the control valve 116 has one default position and N-1 selectoractivated positions.

The control valve 116 may also be operated from a centralized location,such as a service panel. An embodiment of a remote single service panel150 for a single pump, which includes switches for the actuation of thepump 128 and the control valve 116 in addition to switches for ignitionand ports for sampling engine, transmission and hydraulic fluids, isshown in FIG. 10. A selector switch 152 on the service panel 150 isconnected to the control valve 116 to enable an operator to select thereservoir to be evacuated. A switch for controlling evacuation 154, anemergency evacuation stop switch 156, and an evacuation connect port 153(coupled, for example, to the line 430) for connecting/disconnecting thepump 128 may also be mounted on the service panel 150. Additionally, atransmission oil sampling port 50, an engine oil sampling port 52, and ahydraulic oil sampling port 54 may be mounted on the service panel 150for with the transmission, engine and hydraulic reservoirs respectively.The service panel 150 may also include an oil filter 56 having an oilinlet line 44, transmission oil filter, a fuel filter 58, a fuelseparator 60, hydraulic oil filter, a remote ignition selector 62 and anignition switch 64. Thus, service locations, such as control panel 150,may be provided for virtually all machine, vehicle, and/or engine fluidservice needs.

An embodiment of the electrical diagram for the service panel of FIG. 10is shown in FIG. 11. A motor relay 76 is connected to the pump motor 80connected to pump 128 to start and stop the pump motor 80 when the start154 and emergency stop 156 switches, respectively, are operated. Therelay switch 76 stops the motor when a low flow condition is detected bysensor 69 during evacuation. The evacuation selector switch 152, whichis electrically connected to the start switch 154 and to the emergencystop switch 156, enables the selective evacuation of the hydraulicreservoir 107 or transmission reservoir 109 through the operation of ahydraulic reservoir solenoid valve coil 65 and a transmission reservoirsolenoid valve coil 67, respectively. The default position in FIG. 11 isthe evacuation of the engine reservoir 105, but it will be appreciatedthat any of the reservoirs may be chosen as the default position, andthat the number of reservoirs may not be limited to three.

As shown in FIG. 12, each of the lines 410, 420 and 400 may also becoupled to a corresponding check valve 170, 170′ or 170″, respectively,to allow flow in one direction only as well as a check valve 170′″around pump 128. Optionally, a line 439 (shown in dotted lines) may beprovided with appropriate valving around the pump 128, which isconnected to a quick disconnect coupling 440. In this embodiment, thetruck pump 160 of a lubrication evacuation truck may be used to evacuatefluids. The truck pump 160 evacuates through permanent line 472 or quickdisconnect line 474 to a truck waste tank 470. If pump 128 is used andthe truck pump 160 is not used, a conduit 460 may be connected byapplication of appropriate valving through the permanent line 472 or thequick disconnect 474 to the lubrication truck waste tank 470.

FIGS. 13 through 17 illustrate embodiments for a dual-pump multiplereservoir conduit system 200 including a first pump 230 in fluidcommunication with an engine reservoir 505, and a second pump 228 influid communication with a hydraulic reservoir 507 and a transmissionreservoir 509. However, it will be appreciated that more pumps may beused or the pumps may be connected to different reservoirs within thespirit and scope of the invention. In this embodiment, the first pump230 evacuates the engine oil through a first outlet port 312 operatedwith an electrical switch connected to a connector 372 on a remotebracket 373 or mounted on a service panel 250. A first conduit 520 isconnected to the engine reservoir 505 at a first end 522 by a firstcoupling 524, and to the first pump 230 at a second end 526 by a secondcoupling 528. A second conduit 530 is connected at a first end 532 tothe first pump 230 by a first coupling 534, and to the first outlet port312 at a second end 536 by a second coupling 538. The outlet port 312may be connected to a conduit to provide for pre-lubrication of theengine. Alternatively, the second conduit 530 may also be fluidicallyconnected to a coupling 251 in a control panel 250, discussed below. Thesecond pump 228 is connected to a control valve 616 and evacuates fluidfrom the transmission reservoir 509 or the hydraulic reservoir 407 to asecond outlet port 212 by operating the selector switch 274 and anevacuation switch connected to connector 272 which, together with theoutlet port 212, may be mounted on a second bracket 273. The second pump228 and each of the reservoirs 507, 509 are connected to a control valve616 through of a network of conduits 513. The network of conduits 513includes a first network conduit 540, which is connected at a first end542 to the hydraulic reservoir 507 by a first coupling 546, and to thecontrol valve 616 at a second end 544 by a second coupling 548. A secondnetwork conduit 550 is connected at a first end 554 to the transmissionreservoir 509 by a first coupling 558, and to the valve 616 at a secondend 552 by a second coupling 556. A third network conduit 580 isconnected to the pump 228 at a first end 582 by a first coupling 586 andto the outlet port 212 at a second end 584 by a second quick coupling588. Alternatively, the conduit 580 may be fluidically connected to acoupling 253 on the control panel 250. A fourth network conduit 590 isconnected to the second pump 228 at a first end 592 by a first coupling596 and to the control valve 616 at a second end 594 by a second quickcoupling 598. A flexible conduit 315 may be used connect the outletports 312 or 212 to a waste oil container or to a port of a lubricationtruck leading to a waste oil tank 570 on the lube truck, as shown inFIG. 17. The control valve 616 provides for the selective evacuation ofthe transmission 509 or hydraulic reservoir 507.

FIG. 14 illustrates an electrical diagram for an embodiment of adual-pump multiple reservoir evacuation system illustrated in FIG. 13.Each pump motor 263 and 262 is connected to a corresponding relay switch258 and 259, and each relay switch is powered, for example, by aportable source of 12V or 24V DC current. First and second motor relayswitches 258, 259 are connected to a first and second normally openstart switches 372 and 272. Between each relay and the correspondingstart switch, low flow sensors 280 and 281, respectively, may beactivated to intervene and stop the corresponding motor when a low flowcondition is detected. A source of electric current is connected to thesecond relay switch 259, to the selector switch 274 and to the startswitch 372 and 272. A two-position control valve 216 controls flow tothe hydraulic reservoir 507 and the transmission reservoir 509, and isshown with a hydraulic reservoir as the default position, although anyof the reservoirs may be the default reservoir.

It will be appreciated that the number of conduits connected to thefirst and second pumps need not be limited to a total of three. Forexample, the first pump 230 may be connected to N₁ reservoirs and thesecond pump 228 may be connected to N₂ reservoirs for a total number ofN=N₁+N₂. FIG. 13 illustrates a first example of an embodiment where N₁is equal to 1 and N₂ is equal to 2. In a second example of the sameembodiment, N₁ is still equal to 1, but N₂ is a number greater that 2.In the second example, the control valve 616 is connected to N₂reservoir conduits, such as conduits 540 and 550. In both examples, thesecond pump is connected to the control valve 616 with pump conduit 590,and to the second outlet 212 with outlet conduit 580.

An embodiment for a remote service panel 250 including controls for adual-pump multiple reservoir evacuation system is shown in FIG. 15. Itincludes start 254 and stop 256 switches, a selector switch 252 andevacuation disconnect ports 251, 253 for the first pump 230 and secondpump 228. A line 900 connected to the unfiltered side of the engine oilfilter head may also be connected to a pressure-regulated air supply topurge the engine of used oil before adding replacement oil through thesame port. On the same service panel sample ports 910, 912, 914 for thetransmission, engine and hydraulic fluid reservoirs respectively may bemounted, as well as a remote ignition selector 918 and a remote ignitionswitch 916.

An embodiment of an electrical diagram for the panel of FIG. 15 is shownin FIG. 16. The pump motors 963 and 962 for the pumps 230 and 228,respectively, are connected to corresponding relay switches 958 and 959,respectively, and each relay switch is powered, for example, by a sourceof 12V or 24V DC current. The first and second motor relay switches 958,959 are connected to the selector switch 252 and a normally closedemergency stop switch 256. Between each relay and the emergency stopswitch 256, low flow sensors 280 and 281, respectively, intervene tostop the respective motor when a low flow condition is detected. Theselector switch 252 is connected to a valve coil 966 and a normally openstart switch 254. In FIG. 16, electrical wiring for the transmissionreservoir is depicted in the selector switch 254, corresponding tocontact points including the letter “T” designation. For clarity ofdisclosure, some wiring for the hydraulic and engine reservoirs,corresponding to contact points “H” and “E” of the selector switch 966,has been omitted.

FIG. 17 illustrates a hydraulic diagram for an embodiment of a dual-pumpmultiple reservoir evacuation system. The first and second pumps 230 and228 evacuate fluid from each of the selected reservoirs to ports 312 and212, which may be mounted on brackets 373 and 273, respectively, or tothe connectors 251 and 253 on the control panel 250. The flow from eachreservoir 505, 507 and 509 may be controlled in one-way direction bycheck valves downstream from each reservoir. Check valves 705, 707 and709 are connected downstream from the engine reservoir 505, thehydraulic reservoir 507 and the transmission reservoir 509 respectively.Check valves 720 and 722 are also mounted on bypass pipes 711 and 712,respectively, bypassing the first pump 230 and the second pump 228,respectively. A control valve 216, controls flow to the transmissionreservoir 509 and to the hydraulic reservoir 507, and is shown withdefault position to the hydraulic reservoir 507. The discharge frombracket couplings 212 and 312 or control panel connectors 251 and 253may be coupled to a discharge container or to a conduit 315 mounted on alube truck. In that case, evacuated fluid passes through properly valvedline 360 around lube truck pump 160 and directly into reservoir 570.Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the pumps 230 and 228 may bebypassed by lines 574 and 576, respectively, and appropriate valvingprovided in order that evacuation suction may be provided by the pump160 on the lube truck. That discharge may then pass directly to the lubetruck reservoir 570 via, for example, a fixed line 372, a quickconnection line 374, a flexible conduit, or another suitable fluidsystem configuration.

Either single-pump multiple reservoir system (as described in connectionwith FIGS. 8 through 12) or the dual-pump multiple reservoir systems (asdescribed in connection with FIGS. 13 through 17) may be used to removefluid from any of the reservoirs on a machine or vehicle, by attachingevacuation conduits to the reservoirs as shown in the respectivefigures, operating the control valve to select a reservoir and actuatingthe pump to pump fluid from the selected reservoir to an outlet port fordischarge. Additionally, after draining a selected reservoir,replacement fluid may be admitted into the appropriate cavity as shownschematically in FIG. 18, by attaching to a conduit 972 connected to theunfiltered side of the fluid system (e.g., to the cavity's filter head970), and a replacement fluid conduit 974, by means of a coupling 976.The coupling 976 is connected to a replacement fluid source 978. Forexample, engine oil can be input into line 44 in the embodiment in FIG.10 or into line 900 in the embodiment in FIG. 15, in each case beforethe oil filter head. It can be appreciated that the fluid cavitiescorresponding to the other reservoirs discussed herein can also berefilled by inputting replacement fluid on the unfiltered side of therespective filters of such fluid cavities.

Referring now to FIG. 19, one embodiment of a fluid system 1001including a machine (wherein the machine in this example embodiment isan engine 1002) connected to a pump 1004 is shown. In one aspect of thisembodiment, the pump 1004 may be a supplemental pump or enginepre-lubrication pump, for example, and/or may be installed and operatedat a local location or a remote location with respect to the positionand operation of the engine 1002. The pump 1004 is configured for fluidcommunication and operation in association with an evacuation bracket1006. Based on the mode of operation of the engine 1002, a fluid circuitmay be completed or interrupted by a quick disconnect 1008. During afluid evacuation procedure, for example, the evacuation bracket 1006 canbe used, in association with the operation of the pump 1004, to evacuatevarious fluids from the engine 1002. In addition, in the embodiment ofFIG. 19 and in various other embodiments of the present systems andmethods described herein, a control module 1100 can be operativelyassociated with various components of the fluid system 1001. Also, aninternal data module 1200 can be operatively associated with the engine1002 for receiving, storing and/or processing data related to functionsperformed within the fluid system 1001. In another aspect, asupplemental filter system 1010 may be operatively installed inassociation with the evacuation bracket 1006 and the quick disconnect1008, for example. In various aspects of the present systems andmethods, the supplemental filter system 1010 may be, for example, a finefiltration system as that term is understood in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 20, in one illustrative embodiment, the controlmodule 1100 includes various components for controlling and monitoring afluid system, as well as for monitoring, collecting and analyzing dataassociated with various fluid system and method embodiments describedherein. The control module 1100 includes a processor 1102 for executingvarious commands within, and directing the function of, the variouscomponents of the control module 1100. One or more sensor inputs 1104can be provided in the control module 1100 for receiving and processingdata communicated from one or more sensors 1105 installed within a fluidsystem. Sensors 1105 applicable to operation of a machine can include,without limitation, sensors to detect temperature, sensors to detectpressure, sensors to detect voltage, sensors to detect current, sensorsto detect contaminants, sensors to detect cycle time, flow sensorsand/or other sensors suitable for detecting various conditionsexperienced by the machine during the various stages of operation of themachine. In addition, one or more indicators 1106 can be provided withinthe control module 1100 for providing alerts or notifications ofconditions detected and communicated to the control module 1100. Suchindicators 1106 can be conventional audio, visual, or audiovisualindications of a condition detected within a fluid system. The controlmodule 1100 may also include one or more data storage media 1108 forstoring, retrieving and/or reporting data communicated to the controlmodule 1100. Data stored within the data storage media 1108 may includea variety of data collected from the condition of the fluid systemincluding, for example and without limitation, oil condition, particlecount of contaminants, cycle time data for time to evacuate or time torefill a given reservoir, fluid receptacle or other fluidstorage/retention medium.

The control module 1100 further includes one or more controls 1110 forpermitting manipulation of various elements of a fluid system and/or forreceiving and processing data communicated from a fluid system. Machinecontrols 1110A can be provided for controlling various aspects of anengine, for example, such as ignition, pre-lubrication operations,initiating a fluid evacuation process, initiating a fluid refillprocess, and various other machine operations. Pump controls 1110B canbe provided for controlling the action of a pump or supplemental pumpoperatively associated with a fluid system, such as the fluid system ofa machine, for example. One or more valve controls 1110C can be providedto actuate the position (e.g., open, closed, or other position) of oneor more valves included within a fluid system. In addition, one or moremulti-position valve controls 1110D can be provided to operate amulti-way valve (e.g., a five-way valve), or another multi-positionvalve apparatus or system such as a junction block assembly, for example(described hereinafter). In addition, evacuation bracket controls 1110Ecan be provided for the particular function of one or more evacuationbrackets included within, or introduced into, a fluid system.

It can be appreciated that any portion of the above-described controls1110 may be manually actuated by a machine operator, for example, orautomatically actuated as part of execution of instructions stored on acomputer-readable medium, for example. In one illustrative example, thepump controls 1110B may be operatively associated automatically withmanual actuation of the machine controls 1110A, such as in the event ofa pre-lubrication process initiated during ignition of an engine, forexample.

In addition, in various embodiments described herein, it can beappreciated that the controls 1110 need not be located within the samelocation such as included within the same service panel, for example, orother like centralized location. It can be further appreciated that thecontrols 1110 may be operatively associated with a machine, a fluidsystem, a valve system, or other component of the present embodiments byone or more wireline and/or wireless communication methods or systems.Thus, in various embodiments described herein, it can be seen that thecontrols 1110 may be considered clustered for a particular applicationof the present embodiments while not necessarily being physicallylocated in a single, centralized location such as installed on a servicepanel, for example.

Data can be communicated to the control module 1100 to and/or from afluid system through a variety of methods and systems. In variousembodiments disclosed herein, data may be communicated, for example, bya wireline connection, communicated by satellite communications,cellular communications, infrared and/or communicated in accordance witha protocol such as IEEE 802.11, for example, or other wireless or radiofrequency communication protocol among other similar types ofcommunication methods and systems. As shown in FIG. 20, one or more datadevices 1150 can be employed in operative association with the controlmodule 1100 for the purpose of receiving, processing, inputting and/orstoring data and/or for cooperating with the control module 1100 tocontrol, monitor or otherwise manipulate one or more components includedwithin a fluid system. Examples of data devices 1150 include, forexample and without limitation, personal computers 1150A, laptops 1150B,and personal digital assistants (PDA's) 1150C, and other data devicessuitable for executing instructions on one or more computer-readablemedia.

Various types of sensors 1105 can be employed in various embodiments ofthe present systems and methods to detect one or more conditions of afluid system. For example, the sensors 1105 can detect one or more ofthe following conditions within a fluid system: engine oil pressure, oiltemperature in the engine, amount of current drawn by a pre-lubricationcircuit, presence of contaminants (such as oil contaminants, forexample) in the engine, amount of time that has elapsed for performanceof one or more cycles of various engine operations (i.e., cycle time)such as pre-lubrication operations, fluid evacuation operations, fluidrefill operations, fluid flow rates, and others. One example of a sensor1105 that may be used in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent systems and methods is a contamination sensor marketed under the“LUBRIGARD” trade designation (Lubrigard Limited, United Kingdom, NorthAmerica, Europe). A contamination sensor can provide informationregarding oxidation products, water, glycol, metallic wear particles,and/or other contaminants that may be present in the engine oil,hydraulic oil, gearbox oil, transmission oil, compressor oil and/orother fluids used in various machines. In various aspects of the presentmethods and systems, the contamination sensor may be employed during oneor more fluid processes, for example, such as a fluid evacuation processor a fluid refill process.

It can be appreciated that the control module 1100 can receive and storedata associated with activation and deactivation of various componentsof a fluid system and operation of a machine, such as an engine, forexample, included within the fluid system. Cycle time, for example, canbe calculated from analysis of collected data to provide an indicationof elapsed time for completing evacuation and/or refill operations. Fora given oil temperature or temperature range (e.g., as can be detectedand communicated by a temperature sensor), an average cycle time, forexample, can be calculated through analysis of two or more collectedcycle times. In one aspect, the present methods and systems candetermine whether the most recently elapsed cycle time deviates from anominal average cycle time, or range of cycle times, for a given oiltemperature or temperature range. In addition, factors may be known suchas the type and viscosity of fluids (e.g., such as oil) used inconnection with operation of the machine. An unacceptable deviation froma nominal cycle time, or range of times, can result in recording a faultin a data storage medium 1108 of the control module 1100. It can beappreciated that many other types of fault conditions may detected,analyzed and recorded in connection with practice of the present systemsand methods. In other illustrative examples, conditions associated withbattery voltage, current, and/or the presence of contaminants in themachine, for example, may be detected, analyzed, and one or more faultconditions recorded by the control module 1100.

Referring now to FIG. 21, in various embodiments of the present methodsand systems, data collected from fluid system operation can be stored onan internal data module 1200 installed on or near a machine. Theinternal data module 1200 can include a processor 1202 with anoperatively associated memory 1204. In one aspect, the internal datamodule 1200 can be a “one-shot” circuit, as that term is understood bythose skilled in the art. The internal data module 1200 can beconfigured to receive and store data related to various conditions of afluid system, a machine, a valve, a pump, or other components of a fluidsystem. In one embodiment, the internal data module 1200 can store datain the memory 1204 prior to engine ignition and then transfer the storeddata to the control module 1100, for example, or another computersystem, once engine ignition is initiated. In another embodiment, theinternal data module 1200 can store condition data for subsequentdownload to the control module 1100 or another suitable computer system.In various embodiments, the internal data module 1200 can be configuredfor use in performing data collection and storage functions when thecontrol module 1100 is not otherwise active (e.g., during variousmachine service operations). In this manner, the internal data module1200 can be employed to store data corresponding to the electricalevents associated with an oil change, for example, or another type offluid evacuation or refill procedure and can transmit data related tothe procedure to the control module 1100. In various embodiments, theinternal data module 1200 can be a stand-alone, discrete module, or canbe configured for full or partial integration into the operation of thecontrol module 1100.

Collected and analyzed data, as well as recorded fault events, can bestored in association with the control module 1100, the internal datamodule 1200, and/or at a remote location. In various embodiments of thepresent methods and systems, the control module 1100 and/or the internaldata module 1200 can be configured for operation as integral componentsof a machine or as remote components not installed locally on themachine. The collected and analyzed information can be stored in one ormore of the data storage media 1108 of the control module 1100, or onanother conventional storage suitable for use in connection with thecontrol module 1100. The information can also be stored externally withrespect to a machine and its components. As shown in FIG. 20, data canbe transmitted wirelessly by a radio frequency communication or by awireline connection from the control module 1100 to one or more datadevices 1150. The personal digital assistant 1105C, for example, may beconfigured and employed as a computer system for receiving andprocessing data collected from the control module 1100 during fluidevacuation and fluid refill processes.

In one illustrative example, information related to an oil change event,such as the time duration of the oil change, for example, and otherengine conditions can be recorded and processed in connection withoperation of the control module 1100 and/or the internal data module1200 and/or their operatively associated storage medium or media. Thedate and time of the oil change event, for example, can also be recordedfor one or more such oil changes. Analysis of the data may assume that asubstantially constant volume of oil at a given temperature evacuatesfrom, or refills into, the engine lubrication system in a consistent andrepeatable amount of time. A calculation can be made that considers theamount of time needed for an oil change at a given temperature (asdetected by an oil temperature sensor, for example), and other factorssuch as the type and viscosity of the oil. Using this calculation, theamount of oil evacuated from, or refilled into, the engine can becalculated. While the example of an engine is employed herein, it can beappreciated that the principles of the present methods and systemsdescribed herein can be readily applied, for example, to hydraulic fluidreservoirs, transmission fluid reservoirs, and a variety of other typesof fluid reservoirs. The calculated evacuated/refilled oil amount can becompared against a nominal value for the sump capacity. If thecalculated amount is greater than or less than the nominal value ortolerance range for such calculations, this information can be recordedas a fault for further investigation and/or maintenance. In oneembodiment, the fault recorded can be recorded electronically, such asin association with operation of the control module 1100. One or morenotifications can be generated for an operator of the engine by use ofthe indicators 1106, for example, to advise the operator that a faulthas been recorded by the system. In application to various embodimentsdescribed herein, the notification can take the form of an audiblesignal, a visual or text signal, or some reasonable combination of suchsignals.

Referring now to FIG. 22, one embodiment of a method for performingmultiple fluid evacuation and refill processes is shown. In step 1222, aneed for a fluid change is identified, such as a fluid change in thefluid reservoir of a machine, for example. Identification of fluidchange needs/desires and subsequent functions performed in the fluidsystem can be controlled in connection with a control module (inaccordance with the above discussion). In step 1224, the configurationof a valve system included within a fluid system can be adjusted topermit a fluid evacuation process to be performed in operativeassociation with the identified fluid reservoir. It can be appreciatedthat adjustments to configuration of the valve system performed in step1224 can be facilitated in an automated manner such as by operativeassociation of the fluid system with the control module 1100, forexample, by a manual operator adjustment, or some reasonable combinationof automated and manual processes. The identified fluid reservoir isevacuated in step 1226. In optional step 1227, which can be performedprior to the evacuation process of step 1226, a conventional purgeprocedure can be performed on a fluid system associated with thereservoir to remove waste fluids, to resist spillage of fluids, toresist environmental contamination potentially caused by waste fluids,and/or to promote safety of an operator, for example, or other personnelby resisting contact between waste fluids (and potentially harmfulcomponents of waste fluids) and the operator. In one aspect, the purgeprocedure of step 1227 can be performed prior to performance of asubsequent fluid refill process, for example, for the reservoir. In oneillustrative embodiment, the purge procedure can include an air purgeprocedure, for example. In step 1228 the valve system can be configuredto permit a fluid refill process to be performed in connection with theidentified fluid reservoir. In step 1230, a fluid replacement source isaccessed, and the identified fluid reservoir is refilled in step 1232.In one aspect of the present methods and systems, it can be appreciatedthat the refill procedure of step 1232 can be performed by deliveringthe refill fluid pre-filter with respect to the identified fluidreservoir.

In step 1234, a determination is made as to whether an additional fluidchange process is required or desired. If it is determined that anadditional reservoir does require a fluid change, then the valve systemis configured in step 1236 to permit a fluid evacuation process to occurfor the additionally identified reservoir, which additionally identifiedreservoir can include a fluid which is similar or dissimilar withrespect to the fluid of the first identified reservoir. It can beappreciated that adjustments to the valve system performed in step 1236can be facilitated in an automated manner such as by operativeassociation of the fluid system with the control module 1100, forexample, by a manual operator adjustment, or some reasonable combinationof automated and manual processes. In step 1238, fluid within theadditional reservoir is evacuated. In optional step 1227 (also describedabove), which can be performed prior to the evacuation process of step1238, a conventional purge procedure can be performed on a fluid systemassociated with the reservoir to remove waste fluids, to resist spillageof fluids, to resist environmental contamination potentially caused bywaste fluids, and/or to promote safety of an operator, for example, orother personnel by resisting contact between waste fluids (andpotentially harmful components of waste fluids) and the operator. In oneaspect, the purge procedure of step 1227 can be performed prior toperformance of a subsequent fluid refill process, for example, for thereservoir. In step 1240, the valve system can be configured to permit afluid refill process for the additional reservoir. In step 1242, a fluidreplacement source is accessed, and the additional reservoir is refilledwith fluid in step 1244 to the unfiltered side of the fluid system. Inone aspect of the present methods and systems, it can be appreciatedthat the refill procedure of step 1244 can be performed by deliveringthe refill fluid pre-filter with respect to the additional reservoir.The process can then return to step 1234 to identify additionalreservoirs for which fluid changes may be needed or desired. It can beseen that the method shown in FIG. 22 permits multiple fluids to beevacuated and/or refilled for multiple reservoirs associated with amachine, from potentially multiple fluid replacement sources orreservoirs, in an automated or substantially automated manner.

In various embodiments of the present methods and systems, data can becollected, stored and/or analyzed for multiple reservoirs connectedwith, or operatively associated with, a machine. Referring again to FIG.22, a control module or other data device (as described hereinabove),for example, can be employed in step 1248 to collect data 1248A, storedata 1248B, and/or analyze data 1248C in accordance with one or more ofthe process steps shown in FIG. 22, as well as other steps performed inconnection with operation and/or maintenance functions of a machine. Inone example aspect, it can be seen that the control module can beapplied in step 1248 to collect and analyze time-stamp informationassociated with an event such as an evacuation/refill process performedin connection with an oil reservoir, for example. In other aspects ofthe present methods and systems, it can be appreciated that many typesof data can be collected, analyzed, and/or stored in connection with thefunction of multiple reservoirs. Data such as current valve position,valve type, and/or reservoir type, for example, can be collected inconnection with performance of an evacuation/refill procedure for afirst reservoir. A further evacuation/refill procedure, or anotherprocess step, can then be initiated for the first reservoir or for anadditionally identified reservoir. Likewise, data such as current valveposition, valve type, reservoir type, for example, can be collected inassociation with the evacuation/refill procedure for the additionallyidentified reservoir, for example, or another process step.

Referring now to FIG. 23, one embodiment of a system for performingmultiple fluid evacuation and fluid refill processes is shown inschematic form. A first junction block assembly 1252 having a pluralityof ports (represented by positions A,B,C,D,E and F) is connected throughconventional piping or hydraulic hoses, for example, to the suction side1254 of a pump 1256. A second junction block assembly 1258 having aplurality of ports (represented by positions G,H,I,J,K and L) is alsoconnected through conventional piping or hydraulic hoses, for example,to the pressure side 1260 of the pump 1256. In one aspect, the systemmay include a disconnect 1262, such as a quick disconnect and bracketassembly, for example, in the piping. In various aspects of the system,a control module 1100 can be operatively associated with variouscontrol, sensing, and monitoring functions performed in association withoperation of the system. It can be appreciated that the junction blockassemblies 1252,1258 are shown merely for purposes of illustration. Oneor both of the junction block assemblies 1252,1258 could be replacedwith other multi-position valves, for example, or other suitable typesof valves. It can be further appreciated that the system shown in FIG.23 can be configured to perform multiple fluid refill and/or fluidevacuation processes in connection with one or more machine reservoirs,one or more fluid replacement sources, and/or one or morewaste-receiving receptacles.

In one operational example of the valve system of FIG. 23 (which valvesystem includes the first and second junction block assemblies1252,1258), ports D and G can be connected through piping to a machine1251 such as a machine engine, for example. Port E can be configured tobe a refill port that permits fluid to be introduced to the valve systemsuch as from a fluid replacement source, for example. Port K can beconfigured as an evacuation port that permits fluid to be evacuatedthrough the second junction block assembly 1258 from the machine 1251,which evacuation may be facilitated by a quick disconnect and bracketassembly, for example. Port A is in fluid communication with the pump1256 on the suction side 1254 of the pump 1256, and Port J is in fluidcommunication with the pump 1256 on the pressure side 1260 of the pump1256.

In a first configuration of the illustrative valve system of FIG. 23,all ports of the first junction block assembly 1252 are closed exceptfor port A, which is in communication with the suction side 1254 of thepump 1256, and port D, which is in an open position and in communicationwith the machine 1251. In addition, all ports of the second junctionblock assembly 1258 are closed except for port J, which is incommunication with the pressure side 1260 of the pump 1256, and port K,which is in an open position in this configuration. The pump 1256 can beactivated to evacuate fluid from the machine 1251 as drawn through thepiping and through port D, through port A, through the pump 1256,through port J, and ultimately through port K. Once the fluid evacuationprocess is completed, all ports of the first and second junction blockassemblies 1252,1258 can be closed, except for the refill port E andports A, J and G. The pump 1256 can be activated to draw fluid from portE through the piping and through port A, through the pump 1256, throughport J, and through port G into the machine 1251. Based on thisoperational example, it can be seen how opening and closing variousports in various configurations of the valve system permits multipleevacuation and refill processes to be performed from multiple fluidreplacement sources to multiple machine reservoirs in a variety ofsequences. It can also be seen that a common evacuation point (e.g.,port K) can be provided for various fluid processes that are performedby use of the valve system. In addition, it can be appreciated thatdifferent types of fluids (e.g., without limitation, engine oil,transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, coolants, and other machine fluids)can be alternately and/or sequentially evacuated/refilled in connectionwith the various embodiments of the present methods and systems.

Various aspects of the following disclosure include operational examplesfor the various system and method embodiments described herein. It canbe appreciated that such operational examples are provided merely forconvenience of disclosure, and that no particular aspect or aspects ofthese operational examples are intended to limit the scope ofapplication of the present systems and methods.

Referring now to FIGS. 24, 25A and 25B, a fluid system 1301 is providedincluding an engine 1302 and a pump 1304 operatively connected to ajunction block assembly 1400. As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, thejunction block assembly 1400 includes a substantially cube-shaped body1402 having a plurality of ports, such as ports 1404A, 1404B, 1404C, forexample, formed therein. The junction block assembly 1400 can includeany conventional material suitable for use in connection with thevarious fluid evacuation and refill processes described herein such as,for example and without limitation, aluminum, stainless steel, and otherlike materials. In the embodiment shown, the junction block assembly1400 may possess a plurality of ports up to six ports, for example.

In one embodiment of the junction block assembly 1400, one or morescreens 1406 may be inserted between the body 1402 and one or moreadapter fittings 1408 structured to be received, such as threadedlyreceived, for example, into the junction block assembly 1400. It can beappreciated that one or more of the screens 1406 can be positionedwithin the junction block assembly 1400 and/or more generally at anysuitable location within the fluid systems described herein. In oneembodiment, one or more of the screens 1406 may be formed as an integralassembly with one or more of the adapter fittings 1408. In one aspect ofsuch an integral arrangement, the screen 1406 can be positioned at acommon location at which particles and other contaminants present in afluid system may be trapped, inspected and/or removed from the fluidsystem. In other aspects, the screens 1406 and/or adapter fittings 1408may be installed in conjunction with other components of a fluid systemsuch as a pump, for example.

In one illustrative fluid system embodiment, the screen 1406 can bepositioned in the junction block assembly 1400 at a common outlet portof the junction block assembly 1400, wherein during operation of thefluid system the common outlet port is in fluid communication with thesuction side or inlet port of a pump. In this embodiment, one or morefluids received into the junction block assembly 1400 from one or morefluid reservoirs can each be filtered by the screen 1406 positionedwithin the common outlet port of the junction block assembly 1400.

In one aspect of the present embodiments, the adapter fitting 1408 caninclude a permanent or removably insertable plug that resists fluid fromentering or exiting the particular port of the junction block assembly1400 in which the adapter fitting 1408 is installed. In another aspect,the adapter fitting can include a magnetic plug, for example, to attractand capture ferrous materials, for example, and other particles orcontaminants susceptible to magnetic attraction to the magnetic plug. Itcan be seen that, in a fluid system, a junction block assembly 1400including an adapter fitting 1408 having a magnetic plug can be employedas a central or common location at which particles or contaminantspresent in the fluid system can be trapped, collected, inspected and/oranalyzed. In one embodiment in which the magnetic plug is removablyinsertable from the junction block assembly, the magnetic plug canassist the junction block assembly 1400 in becoming a material/debristrap that allows for periodic inspections, for example, for detectingmetal particles, for example, that may indicate damage, or the potentialfor damage, occurring in the reservoir or a related machine system.

Referring now to FIG. 25C, one example illustration of an embodiment aportion of a fluid system 1452 provided in accordance with the presentmethods and systems is shown. The fluid system 1452 includes a pump 1454in fluid communication with a junction block assembly 1400. In addition,a screen 1456 is positioned within a section of piping 1458 locatedbetween the pump 1454 and the junction block assembly 1400 on a suctionside 1460 of the pump 1454. In other aspects, it can be appreciated thatthe screen 1456 can be positioned to function at a variety of locationswithin the fluid system 1452 or other fluid systems. In the embodimentshown, it can be seen that the screen 1456 may act as a common locationfor collecting, trapping, and/or filtering particles, debris and/orcontaminants flowing through the fluid system 1452. During operation ofthe pump 1454 within the filter system 1452, for example, particles,debris and/or contaminants are drawn from various other portions (notshown) of the fluid system 1452 through the section of piping 1458including the screen 1456 to trap, collect, and/or filter thoseparticles, debris, and/or contaminants, before fluid is permitted toflow to the suction side 1460 of the pump 1454 to be drawn into the pump1454.

Referring again to FIG. 24, the junction block assembly 1400 can beconnected to a fluid evacuation/refill port 1306 that permits fluids toexit (during a fluid evacuation process) or enter (during a fluid refillprocess) the fluid system 1301. During an evacuation process, valve 1308is actuated (such as by operation of a machine control 1110A of thecontrol module 1100, for example, or by manual operation) to a closedposition, and the pump 1304 is activated to evacuate fluid from theengine 1302 through the port 1306 connected to the junction blockassembly 1400. It can be seen that the junction block assembly 1400 isappropriately positioned/actuated to permit fluid to flow from the pump1304 to the port 1306 during the evacuation procedure. During a refillprocedure, the valve 1308 can be moved to an open position, and thejunction block assembly 1400 can be appropriately positioned/actuated topermit fluid to flow from a reservoir and/or other apparatus (not shown)attached to the port 1306 to refill one or more fluid reservoirs viaunfiltered or pre-filtered passages, for example, or other receptaclesof the engine 1302.

In various embodiments described herein, a conventional filter 1310 canbe provided in association with a component such as an engine, forexample, to filter contaminants or other particles that pass through thefluid system 1301 during the refill procedure and/or during normaloperation of the engine 1302. It can be appreciated that the type and/orconfiguration of conventional filters installed within or in associationwith the components of the fluid system 1301 can be provided in avariety of ways as will be evident to those skilled in the art.

The control module 1100 and the internal data module 1200 interact withthe fluid system 1301, and more generally other fluid systems describedhereinafter, as previously discussed hereinabove with reference to FIGS.20 and 21. For convenience of disclosure, specific interaction andoperation of the control module 1100 and the internal data module 1200with fluid system embodiments described hereinafter are generally notdescribed in detail, because such embodiments would be understood bythose skilled in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 26, in another embodiment of the present systemsand methods, a fluid system 1501 is provided in which an engine 1502 isconnected to a junction block assembly 1400 through a valve 1504. Areservoir 1506 is also connected to the junction block assembly 1400through a valve 1508. In addition, a pump 1510 is connected to thejunction block assembly 1400, and the pump 1510 is also connected to anevacuation bracket and quick disconnect assembly 1512 in accordance withsuch assemblies as previously described hereinabove. In one operationalexample of this embodiment, a fluid evacuation process may be performedby opening valve 1504 and closing valve 1508 to evacuate fluid from theengine 1502 through an evacuation port of the junction block assembly1400. In one aspect, the fluid evacuation procedure can be performed bythe operation of the pump 1510 to remove fluid from the engine 1502through the evacuation bracket and quick disconnect assembly 1512. Theengine 1502 can then be refilled by connecting a fluid replacementsource, for example, or another reservoir to the evacuation bracket andquick disconnect assembly 1512. The reservoir 1506 can be evacuated byclosing the valve 1504, opening the valve 1508, adjusting the positionsof the various ports of the junction block assembly 1400, and operatingthe pump 1510 to evacuate fluid from the reservoir 1506 through theevacuation bracket and quick disconnect assembly 1512. In variousembodiments of the present systems and methods, the reservoir 1506 maycontain, for example and without limitation, transmission fluid,hydraulic fluid, lubricants such as oil, water, or another fluid used inaddition to the operation of the engine 1502 and/or the overall functionof the fluid system 1501. In another aspect, a supplemental filtersystem 1514 may be operatively associated with the evacuation bracketand quick disconnect assembly 1512. In various aspects, the supplementalfilter system 1514 may be, for example, a fine filtration system as thatterm is understood in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 27, in other embodiments of the present systemsand methods, a fluid system 1601 is provided in which an engine 1602 isconnected to a first junction block assembly 1400 through a valve 1604.A reservoir 1606 is also connected to the junction block assembly 1400through a valve 1608. The junction block assembly 1400 also includes anevacuation/refill port 1610 structured for receiving fluids introducedinto the fluid system 1601, such as during a refill process, forexample. In addition, a pump 1612 is connected to the first junctionblock assembly 1400, and the pump 1612 is also connected to a secondjunction block assembly 1400′ through an optional valve 1614. The secondjunction block assembly 1400′ includes an evacuation/refill port 1616for removing/introducing fluids into the fluid system 1601, such as byan evacuation process or by a refill process, for example. In addition,the reservoir 1606 includes a fluid connection through a valve 1618 tothe second junction block assembly 1400′, and the engine 1602 alsoincludes a fluid connection to the second junction block assembly 1400′through a valve 1620. It can be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat the fluid system 1601 permits a variety of combinations forperforming evacuation and/or refill processes. The positions of thevalves 1604, 1608, 1614, 1618 and 1620, in operative interaction withthe actuation of the first and second junction block assemblies1400,1400′ provide this variety of combinations for introducing orremoving fluids, respectively and where applicable, through the ports1610,1616.

In one aspect of an example of a fluid evacuation process, the engine1602 can be identified for performance of one or more fluidrefill/evacuation processes. Fluid can be evacuated from the engine1602, for example, by opening valves 1604,1614, closing valves1608,1618,1620, adjusting the positions of ports associated with thefirst and second junction block assemblies 1400,1400′ (e.g., closing offports not employed in a given fluid process, and other likeadjustments), and activating the pump 1612 to draw fluid through therefill/evacuation port 1616. A subsequent refill process can beperformed for the engine 1602 by closing valves 1604,1608,1618, openingvalves 1614,1620, adjusting the appropriate positions of the ports ofthe first and second junction block assemblies 1400,1400′ (e.g., closingoff ports not employed in a given fluid process, and other likeadjustments), and activating the pump 1612 to refill fluid into theengine 1602 by drawing the fluid from the evacuation/refill port 1610,through the pump 1612, to the engine 1602. It can be appreciated thatthe fluid employed for the fluid refill process for the engine 1602 canbe drawn from one or more fluid replacement sources (not shown)operatively connected to the evacuation/refill port 1610 of the firstjunction block assembly 1400. In one aspect, the type of fluid drawnfrom the engine 1602 during the fluid evacuation process is of the sametype as the fluid refilled into the engine 1602 during the fluid refillprocess.

In other steps of this operational example, the reservoir 1606 can beidentified for a fluid evacuation/refill process. The valves1604,1618,1620 can be closed, the positions of the ports of the firstand second junction block assemblies 1400,1400′ can be adjusted (e.g.,closing off ports not employed in a given fluid process, and other likeadjustments), valves 1608,1614 can be opened, and the action of the pump1612 can be employed to draw fluid from the reservoir 1606 through theevacuation/refill port 1616 of the second junction block assembly 1400′.In a subsequent fluid refill process, valves 1604,1608,1620 can beclosed, valves 1614,1618 can be opened, and the pump 1612 can beemployed to draw fluid through the evacuation/refill port 1610 of thefirst junction block assembly 1400 into the reservoir 1606 in the refillprocess. It can be appreciated that the fluid employed in the fluidrefill process can be drawn from one or more fluid replacement sources(not shown) operatively associated with the evacuation/refill port 1610of the first junction block assembly 1400. In one aspect, the type offluid drawn from the reservoir 1606 during the fluid evacuation processis of the same type as the fluid refilled into the reservoir 1606 duringthe fluid refill process. In various embodiments of the present systemsand methods, the reservoir 1606 may contain, for example and withoutlimitation, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, lubricants such as oil,water, or another fluid used in addition to the operation of the engine1602 and/or the overall function of the fluid system 1601.

It can be appreciated that pumps employed in connection with the variousfluid systems described herein can be “on-board” or “off-board” withrespect to a machine that operates in connection with the fluid system.For example, in one illustrative embodiment, an “off-board” pump couldbe applied in connection with the evacuation/refill port 1610 with theappropriate configuration of the valve system of the fluid system ofFIG. 27 to perform one or more fluid evacuation/refill processes.

Referring now to FIG. 28, in other embodiments of the present systemsand methods, a fluid system 1701 is provided in which an engine 1702 isconnected to both a first multi-position valve 1704 and a secondmulti-position valve 1706. One or more reservoirs 1708,1709 are alsofluidically connected to each of the first and second multi-positionvalves 1704,1706. In addition, a pump 1710 is provided to facilitate oneor more evacuation processes in connection with fluids contained withthe engine 1702 and/or the reservoirs 1708,1709. In various embodimentsof the present systems and methods, the reservoirs 1708,1709 maycontain, for example and without limitation, transmission fluid,hydraulic fluid, lubricants such as oil, water, or another fluid used inaddition to the operation of the engine 1702 and/or the overall functionof the fluid system 1701. In one aspect of the operation of the fluidsystem 1701, each of the multi-position valves 1704,1706 isactuated/positioned to permit the action of the pump 1710 to evacuateand refill fluids from the engine 1702 and the reservoirs 1708,1709, ina sequence determined by an operator, for example, or by an automateddetermination by the control module 1100, for example.

In one aspect of an operational example, the engine 1702 can beidentified for performance of one or more fluid evacuation/refillprocesses. In a fluid evacuation process, appropriate ports of themulti-position valves 1704,1706 are actuated, in conjunction withactivation of the pump 1710, to draw fluid from the engine 1702 throughthe multi-position valve 1704, through the pump 1710, and through aselected port of the multi-position valve 1706 serving as an evacuationport. It can be appreciated that a waste-receiving receptacle, forexample (not shown), may be operatively associated with the selectedevacuation port of the multi-position valve 1706 to receive and/or storefluid evacuated from the engine 1702. In a subsequent fluid refillprocess, appropriate ports of the multi-position valves 1704,1706 areactuated, in conjunction with activation of the pump 1710, to draw fluidfrom a selected port of the multi-position valve 1704 serving as arefill port, through the pump 1710, through the multi-position valve1706, and to the engine 1702. It can be appreciated that a fluidreplacement source, for example (not shown), may be operativelyassociated with the selected refill port of the multi-position valve1704 to provide a source for fluid introduced into the fluid system 1701and used for the refill process for the engine 1702.

In another aspect of this operational example, the reservoir 1708 can beidentified for performance of one or more fluid refill/evacuationprocesses. In a fluid evacuation process, appropriate ports of themulti-position valves 1704,1706 are actuated, in conjunction withactivation of the pump 1710, to draw fluid from the reservoir 1708through the multi-position valve 1704, through the pump 1710, andthrough a selected port of the multi-position valve 1706 serving as anevacuation port. It can be appreciated that a waste-receivingreceptacle, for example (not shown), may be operatively associated withthe selected evacuation port of the multi-position valve 1706 to receiveand/or store fluid evacuated from the reservoir 1708. In a subsequentfluid refill process, appropriate ports of the multi-position valves1704,1706 are actuated, in conjunction with activation of the pump 1710,to draw fluid from a selected port of the multi-position valve 1704serving as a refill port, through the pump 1710, through themulti-position valve 1706, and to the reservoir 1708. It can beappreciated that a fluid replacement source, for example (not shown),may be operatively associated with the selected refill port of themulti-position valve 1704 to provide a source for fluid introduced intothe fluid system 1701 and used for the refill process for the reservoir1708.

In another aspect of this operational example, the reservoir 1709 can beidentified for performance of one or more fluid refill/evacuationprocesses. In a fluid evacuation process, appropriate ports of themulti-position valves 1704,1706 are actuated, in conjunction withactivation of the pump 1710, to draw fluid from the reservoir 1709through the multi-position valve 1704, through the pump 1710, andthrough a selected port of the multi-position valve 1706 serving as anevacuation port. It can be appreciated that a waste-receivingreceptacle, for example (not shown), may be operatively associated withthe selected evacuation port of the multi-position valve 1706 to receiveand/or store fluid evacuated from the reservoir 1709. In a subsequentfluid refill process, appropriate ports of the multi-position valves1704,1706 are actuated, in conjunction with activation of the pump 1710,to draw fluid from a selected port of the multi-position valve 1704serving as a refill port, through the pump 1710, through themulti-position valve 1706, and to the reservoir 1709. It can beappreciated that a fluid replacement source, for example (not shown),may be operatively associated with the selected refill port of themulti-position valve 1704 to provide a source for fluid introduced intothe fluid system 1701 and used for the refill process for the reservoir1709.

It is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that, in accordancewith various aspects of the present method and system embodiments,engines, reservoirs and other like receptacles can be first evacuatedand subsequently refilled in a manner that permits a pump not toencounter a refill fluid (e.g., a “clean” fluid) of a certain type,until the pump has processed an evacuated fluid (e.g., a “dirty” fluid)of the same type as the refill fluid. It can be seen that this sequenceof fluid evacuation/refill processes can reduce the degree ofcross-contamination for components or other elements of a fluid systemthat may be caused by a mixture of different types of fluids.

Referring now to FIG. 29, in other embodiments of the present systemsand methods, a fluid system 1801 is provided in which an engine 1802 isconnected to both a first multi-position valve 1804 having a refill port1806 and a second multi-position valve 1808 having an evacuation port1810. A reservoir 1812 is also fluidly connected to each of the firstand second multi-position valves 1804,1808. In addition, a pump 1814 isprovided to facilitate one or more evacuation and/or refill processes inconnection with fluids contained with the engine 1802 and/or thereservoir 1812. In another aspect, an additional reservoir 1813 isconnected between the first multi-position valve 1804 and the secondmulti-position valve 1806. In various embodiments of the present systemsand methods, the reservoirs 1812,1813 may contain, for example andwithout limitation, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, lubricants suchas oil, water, or another fluid used in addition to the operation of theengine 1802 and/or the overall function of the fluid system 1801.

In one example aspect of the operation of the fluid system 1801 shown inFIG. 29, the multi-position valves 1804,1808 are actuated/positioned topermit the action of the pump 1814 to remove fluid from the reservoir1812. Then, in this operational example, the multi-position valves1804,1808 can be actuated/positioned to perform a fluid refill processfor the reservoir 1812. Thereafter, the engine 1802 can be evacuated andthen refilled in sequence once the fluid processes involving thereservoir 1812 have been completed.

In accordance with previous discussion hereinabove, it can beappreciated that the operative association of the fluid system 1801, forexample, with the control module 1100 permits a variety of sequences andcombinations of evacuation and refill processes. Such sequencing can befacilitated by the control module 1100 through a combination of manualand/or automated processes executed in conjunction with the operation ofthe control module 1100. It can be seen that such sequencing ofevacuation and/or refill operations can be applied to various previouslydiscussed embodiments of the present systems and methods, as well asembodiments discussed hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 30, in other embodiments of the present systemsand methods, a fluid system 1901 is provided in which an engine 1902 isconnected to a junction block assembly 1400 through a valve 1904. Afirst reservoir 1906 is also connected to the junction block assembly1400 through a valve 1908. In addition, a second reservoir 1910 isconnected to the junction block assembly 1400 through a valve 1912. Thejunction block assembly 1400 includes an evacuation port 1914 structuredto fluidically connect with a quick disconnect 1916. In operation of thefluid system 1901, the quick disconnect 1916 establishes fluidconnection between the junction block assembly 1400 and a pump 1918. Inaddition, a waste-receiving receptacle 1920 is connected to the pump1918. In an example fluid evacuation process, the respective positionsof the valves 1904,1908,1912, the actuation/position of the junctionblock assembly 1400, the connection of the quick disconnect 1916 to theevacuation port 1914, and the operation of the pump 1918 work inconjunction to perform a fluid evacuation process for each of the engine1902 and the first and second reservoirs 1906,1910. For example, it canbe seen that such a fluid evacuation process results in fluid flowingfrom the engine 1902 into the waste-receiving receptacle 1920. It can beappreciated that the functions of the control module 1100, working inassociation with the various components of the fluid system 1901, canresult in evacuating fluids, and subsequently refilling fluids, for oneor more of the engine 1902 and the reservoirs 1906,1910 in a sequentialmanner. In various embodiments of the present systems and methods, thereservoirs 1906,1910 may contain, for example and without limitation,transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, lubricants such as oil, water, oranother fluid used in addition to the operation of the engine 1902and/or the overall function of the fluid system 1901.

Referring now to FIG. 31, in various embodiments of the present systemsand methods, a fluid system 2001 is provided in which an engine 2002 isconnected to a junction block assembly 1400 through a valve 2004. Afirst reservoir 2006 is also connected to the junction block assembly1400 through a valve 2008. In addition, a second reservoir 2010 isconnected to the junction block assembly 1400 through a valve 2012. Thejunction block assembly 1400 includes a refill port 2014 structured tofluidly connect with a quick disconnect 2016. In operation of the fluidsystem 2001, the quick disconnect 2016 establishes fluid connectionbetween the junction block assembly 1400 and a pump 2018. In addition, afluid source 2020 is connected to the pump 2018. In one aspect of thepresent embodiment, the fluid source may be detachably connected to thepump 2018 so that subsequent fluid sources (not shown) containing avariety of fluids can be introduced to the fluid system 2001 through theaction of the pump 2018. In an example fluid refill process, therespective positions of the valves 2004,2008,2012, theactuation/position of the junction block assembly 1400, the connectionof the quick disconnect 2016 to the refill port 2014, and the operationof the pump 2018 work in conjunction to perform various fluid refillprocesses for the engine 2002 and the first and second reservoirs2006,2010. In one example, it can be seen that such a fluid refillprocess can result in fluid flowing into the engine 2002 (after a priorfluid evacuation process) from the fluid source 2020. It can beappreciated that the functions of the control module 1100, working inassociation with the various components of the fluid system 2001, canresult in evacuating/refilling one or more of the engine 2002 and thereservoirs 2006,2010 in a sequential manner. As shown, filters2022,2024,2026 may be employed to filter contaminants or other particlespresent in fluid flowing from the fluid source 2020 to the engine 2002,the first reservoir 2006, or the second reservoir 2010 (respectively).In various embodiments of the present systems and methods, thereservoirs 2006,2010 may contain, for example and without limitation,transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, lubricants such as oil, water, oranother fluid used in addition to the operation of the engine 2002and/or the overall function of the fluid system 2001. In addition, inanother aspect, supplemental filter system 2028 can be installed betweenthe refill port 2014 and the pump 2018. In various aspects of thepresent systems and methods, the supplemental filter system 2028 may be,for example, a fine filtration system, as that term is understood in theart.

The benefits of the present systems and methods are readily apparent tothose skilled in the art. Systems and methods for selectively and/orsequentially performing fluid evacuation and/or refill processes can beuseful in performing service and maintenance operations on machines.Such capabilities can ultimately improve the performance and useful lifeof machines for which such orchestrated fluid evacuation and/or fluidrefill procedures are performed. In addition, the use of controls,monitoring, and data storage and analysis in connection with performingmultiple fluid evacuation and/or refill processes can further enhancethe overall effectiveness of service and maintenance operationsperformed on a variety of machines.

It should be appreciated that all the figures are presented forillustrative purposes and not as construction drawings. Omitted detailsand modifications or alternative embodiments are within the purview ofpersons of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, whereas particularembodiments of the invention have been described herein for the purposeof illustrating the invention and not for the purpose of limiting thesame, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatnumerous variations of the details, materials and arrangement of partsmay be made within the principle and scope of the invention withoutdeparting from the invention as described in the appended claims.

The term “computer-readable medium” is defined herein as understood bythose skilled in the art. It can be appreciated, for example, thatmethod steps described herein may be performed, in certain embodiments,using instructions stored on a computer-readable medium or media thatdirect a computer system to perform the method steps. Acomputer-readable medium can include, for example, memory devices suchas diskettes, compact discs of both read-only and writeable varieties,optical disk drives, and hard disk drives. A computer-readable mediumcan also include memory storage that can be physical, virtual,permanent, temporary, semi-permanent and/or semi-temporary. Acomputer-readable medium can further include one or more data signalstransmitted on one or more carrier waves.

As used herein, a “computer” or “computer system” may be a wireless orwireline variety of a microcomputer, minicomputer, laptop, personal dataassistant (PDA), cellular phone, pager, processor, or any othercomputerized device capable of configuration for transmitting andreceiving data over a network. Computer devices disclosed herein caninclude memory for storing certain software applications used inobtaining, processing and communicating data. It can be appreciated thatsuch memory can be internal or external. The memory can also include anymeans for storing software, including a hard disk, an optical disk,floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM(programmable ROM), EEPROM (extended erasable PROM), and other likecomputer-readable media.

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the presentinvention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevantfor a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating,for purposes of clarity, other elements. Those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize, however, that these and other elements may bedesirable. However, because such elements are well known in the art, andbecause they do not facilitate a better understanding of the presentinvention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein.

It can be appreciated that, in some embodiments of the present methodsand systems disclosed herein, a single component can be replaced bymultiple components, and multiple components replaced by a singlecomponent, to perform a given function or functions. Except where suchsubstitution would not be operative to practice the present methods andsystems, such substitution is within the scope of the present invention.

Examples presented herein are intended to illustrate potentialimplementations of the present method and system embodiments. It can beappreciated that such examples are intended primarily for purposes ofillustration. No particular aspect or aspects of the example method andsystem embodiments described herein are intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention.

While the present methods and systems have been principally described inrelation to relatively large-scale diesel engines, it should berecognized that the invention is also useful in a wide variety of othertypes of internal combustion engines. For example, use of the presentmethods and systems in automotive applications is contemplated, such asin connection with automotive engines. Thus, whereas particularembodiments of the invention have been described herein for the purposeof illustrating the invention and not for the purpose of limiting thesame, it can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatnumerous variations of the details, materials and arrangement of partsmay be made within the principle and scope of the invention withoutdeparting from the invention as described in the appended claims.

1. A method for performing a fluid process within a machine having afluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types offluids, said method comprising the steps of: identifying a firstreservoir for use in performing a fluid process; a. adjusting aconfiguration of a valve system operatively coupled to said fluid systemto permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for said reservoirto an outlet port; b. subsequently performing said fluid evacuationprocess for said reservoir to said outlet port; c. subsequentlyadjusting said configuration of said valve system to permit a fluidrefill process to be performed for said reservoir; d. subsequentlyperforming said fluid refill process for said reservoir, andsubsequently identifying an additional reservoir and performing at leastone of said steps a, b, c and d for said additional reservoir, whereinsaid first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different froma type of a fluid of said additional reservoir.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising performing said fluid evacuation process by usingat least one multi-position valve included within said valve system ofsaid fluid system.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said multi-positionvalve includes a junction block assembly.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising performing said fluid refill process by using atleast one multi-position valve included within said valve system of saidfluid system.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said multi-positionvalve includes a junction block assembly.
 6. The method of claim 1,further comprising employing at least one evacuation bracket structuredfor promoting fluid communication with said fluid system for performingat least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes.7. The method of claim 1, further comprising employing at least onequick disconnect structured for promoting fluid communication with saidfluid system for performing at least one of said fluid evacuation andsaid fluid refill processes.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said stepof performing said fluid refill process for said reservoir furtherincludes accessing at least one fluid replacement source.
 9. The methodof claim 1, wherein said step of performing said fluid evacuationprocess for said reservoir further includes accessing at least onewaste-receiving receptacle.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein saidfluid system further includes at least one supplemental filter system.11. The method of claim 1, further comprising facilitating at least oneof said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes by using apump.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said pump is installed locallywith respect to said fluid system of said machine.
 13. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising operatively associating a control modulewith said fluid system.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprisingusing said control module for said adjusting said configuration of saidvalve system.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said control moduleincludes at least one control selected from the group consisting of amachine control, a pump control, a multi-position valve control, and anevacuation bracket control.
 16. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising configuring said control module for collecting cycle timedata associated with at least one of said fluid evacuation and saidfluid refill processes.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein saidcollecting cycle time data includes collecting at least a start timeassociated with at least one of said fluid processes for at least one ofsaid reservoirs.
 18. The method of claim 13, further comprisingconfiguring said control module for performing at least one fluidevacuation process in sequence with at least one fluid refill process.19. The method of claim 13, further comprising configuring said controlmodule for receiving data into at least one data storage medium of saidcontrol module.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein said control moduleincludes at least one sensor input for receiving data communicated fromat least one sensor operatively associated with said fluid system. 21.The method of claim 13, further comprising operatively associating atleast one data device with said control module.
 22. The method of claim1, further comprising operatively associating an internal data modulewith said machine.
 23. The method of claim 1, further comprising purginga filter operatively associated with said first reservoir prior toperforming said evacuation process for said first reservoir.
 24. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising purging a filter operativelyassociated with said additional reservoir prior to performing saidevacuation process for said additional reservoir.
 25. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said step of performing said fluid refill process forsaid reservoir further includes pre-filter delivery of a fluid for saidreservoir in association with performing said fluid refill process. 26.A method for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluidsystem including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids,said method comprising the steps of: identifying a first reservoir foruse in performing a fluid process; a. first, adjusting a configurationof a valve system operatively coupled to said fluid system to permit afluid evacuation process to be preformed for said reservoir to an outletport; b. second, performing said fluid evacuation process for saidreservoir to said outlet port; c. third, adjusting said configuration ofsaid valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed forsaid reservoir; d. fourth, performing said fluid refill process for saidreservoir; and identifying an additional reservoir and performing atleast one of said steps a, b, c and d for said additional reservoir,wherein said first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which isdifferent from a type of a fluid of said additional reservoir.
 27. Amethod for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluidsystem including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids,said method comprising the steps of: identifying a first reservoir foruse in performing a fluid process; a. first, adjusting a configurationof a valve system operatively coupled to said fluid system to permit afluid evacuation process to be performed for said reservoir to an outletport; b. second, performing said fluid evacuation process for saidreservoir to said outlet port; c. third, adjusting said configuration ofsaid valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed forsaid reservoir; d. fourth, performing said fluid refill process for saidreservoir; and identifying an additional reservoir and performing saidsteps a, b, c and d for said additional reservoir, wherein said firstreservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of afluid of said additional reservoir.